Pune Sizzles More Than Bengaluru, Coimbatore as February Temperatures Hit Decade-High
Pune, February 19: The Shivajinagar area in Pune has recorded its hottest first fortnight of February in over a decade, as summer heat makes an early appearance in Maharashtra this year.
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune’s average maximum temperature for February 1-14 reached 34.4°C, the highest since 2014. Experts highlight a consistent warming trend in early February temperatures over the past decade, with averages rising from 30.9°C in 2014 to 32.76°C in 2023 and 33.51°C in 2024.
“The steady rise in early February temperatures suggests a consistent warming pattern in the region,” an expert from the weather blog Vagaries of Weather stated.
Mercury Continues to Soar Across Maharashtra
On Monday, Bramhapuri in Vidarbha recorded the state’s highest temperature at 38°C, followed by Akola (37.6°C) and Chandrapur (36.2°C). Pune also experienced intense heat, with Koregaon Park reaching a sweltering 38.3°C, significantly higher than 35.7°C recorded at the Shivajinagar observatory.
Experts attribute the soaring temperatures to an anticyclonic circulation prevailing over Maharashtra and parts of the Arabian Sea. “Such systems cause the subsidence of air, preventing cloud formation and leading to clear skies, which increases solar radiation and surface temperatures,” said SD Sanap, IMD scientist, Pune.
Urban Heat Island Effect in Pune
The urban heat island effect has further intensified temperatures in developed areas like Koregaon Park, where concrete structures and reduced green cover contribute to localized heating. On Tuesday, Koregaon Park recorded the highest temperature in the city at 37.7°C, followed by Lavale at 37°C, according to IMD data.
Across Maharashtra, Akola recorded 37.8°C, Bramhapuri 37.2°C, and Solapur 37.5°C, while coastal regions remained relatively cooler due to maritime influence, with Mumbai registering 32.9°C. In Marathwada, Aurangabad recorded 35.7°C, and Jalgaon in north Maharashtra saw 34.4°C.
Pune Hotter Than South Indian Cities
Comparatively, Pune’s 35.8°C on Tuesday was higher than other major southern Indian cities. Coimbatore recorded 34°C, while Bengaluru registered a milder 32.8°C. The stark contrast underscores the unusually warm conditions prevailing over Maharashtra.
No Immediate Relief in Sight
The IMD has forecast mainly clear skies for the coming week, suggesting the heatwave-like conditions could persist. “As we approach the pre-monsoon season, such anticyclonic circulations may appear more frequently. Temperatures are expected to remain similar in the coming days,” Sanap added.
